simple pleasures.

 Happy Wednesday! I'm so happy to bring you another installment in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series--this time, featuring M and Amanda from Simple Girl, Simple Pleasures. They just rounded out their long distance and it is so refreshing to read the happiness which streams from her answers :)

Name: Amanda

Significant Other's Name: M

When did you start dating? We officially started dating on January 1, 2011.

At what point did you begin dating long distance? We were long distance from the get-go. He was in Massachusetts and I was in Connecticut, so 200 miles were between us. The three-hour drive could sometimes be up to five hours, depending on traffic.

How do you fill your days while you're apart? I counted my blessings for full-time jobs and our love of exercise during our long distance days! Fortunately, by the time I would get out of work, workout, shower, and make dinner, it would be late. It was the alone time (and even dinner time) when I would ache for him.

What do you find most difficult about being long distance? I hated the lack of normalcy. We didn't get to do weeknight dates or just lounge and watch Chopped together. Saying goodnight meant a short phone conversation, rather than cuddling and kisses.

How has long distance changed your relationship? I think we've both grown up individually and together. I have become much better about communicating my feelings. I learned to respect how he copes with his emotions. We are both committed to each other, so it helps that we are a team!

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? I love being able to hold hands, kiss, laugh, and just be in each other's presence. It sounds cheesy, but it is so wonderful getting to be in the same moments together.

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? The distance days ended on February 18, 2012! M moved in with me--and now we're blissfully domesticating together. I am genuinely happy now. It is still really fresh living together, but it' is a dream come true. It is so nice to simply have someone with whom to cook, watch TV, and go to the gym. In my case, this person also happens to be my best friend and love of my life. Distance helped our hearts grow stronger--I don't think we'll ever lose that appreciation.

This post has even more perspective on their year of long distance. I couldn't be more happy for M and Amanda to finally be together! Enjoy your Wednesday--and I'll see you all back here tomorrow :) Much love for all your anniversary wishes yesterday!